Esther J. Piercy Award

Deadline for nominations is December 1.

Purpose

The Esther J. Piercy Award was established by the Resources and Technical Services Division of the American Library Association in 1968 in memory of Esther J. Piercy, editor of Journal of Cataloging and Classification from 1950 to 1956 and of Library Resources & Technical Services from 1957 to 1967. This award is given to recognize the contribution to those areas of librarianship included in library collections and technical services by a librarian with not more than 10 years of professional experience who has shown outstanding promise for continuing contribution and leadership.

Criteria

Evidence of this promise is determined by the person's accomplishments, as they are related to technical services and resources, in such activities as:

  • Leadership in professional associations at local, state, regional or national level;
  • Contributions to the development, application or utilization of new or improved methods, techniques and routines;
  • Significant contribution to professional literature; and
  • Conduct of studies or research in the technical services.

Submission

Nominations shall include:

  • name of nominee;
  • date nominee entered first professional position; and
  • a formal statement of nomination, with a brief rationale for the nomination;
  • a resume or narrative career outline upon which the award jury can base its determinations;
  • letters of endorsement from others should provide additional evidence of the worthiness of the nominee. The number of letters of endorsement received for a nominee shall not be a determining factor in the selection process; rather, the evidence of the person's accomplishments that they present shall be the factor considered.

Nominations for persons not selected for the award in one year may be resubmitted provided the person still meets the ten-year limit on length of professional experience. Eligibility is not limited by country, citizenship, or membership in a specific organization.

Award

The award consists of a citation and a $1,500 grant donated by YBP, Inc.

Presentation

The award is formally presented at the ALCTS Awards Ceremony during the ALA Annual Conference.

Award Jury

For nomination information contact the Chair of the Esther J. Piercy Award Jury.

Award Recipients

Recipients of the Piercy Award
Year Recipient Year Recipient Year Recipient
2012 Timothy Strawn 2000 Brian J. Baird 1984 Lizbeth J. Bishoff
2011 Marielle Veve 1999 Stephen Chapman 1983 Sue A. Dodd
2010 Kelly McGrath 1998 Judith R. Ahronheim 1982 Nancy R. John
2009 Laurel Tarulli 1997 Birdie MacLennan 1981 Sally H. McCallum
2008 Daisy Waters 1996 No Recipient 1980 Nancy B. Olson
2007 Robert L. Bothmann 1995 October Reyn Ivins 1979 Pamela Wood Darling
2006 Jill Emery 1994 Nancy E. Elkington 1978 S. Michael Malinconico
2005 Terry Paul Reese 1993 Barbara A. Winters 1977 No Recipient
2004 No Recipient 1992 No Recipient 1976 Ruth L. Tighe
2003 Karen Brown 1991 Carol Pitts Hawks 1975 John D. Byrum, Jr.
2002 Lisa German 1990 Jan Merrill-Oldham 1974 No Recipient
2001 Oya Yildrim Rieger 1989 Lisa B. Weber 1973 Glen A. Zimmerman
    1988 Karen Markey 1972 Carol A. Nemeyer
    1987 John K. Duke 1971 John Philip Immroth
    1986 No Recipient 1970 John B. Corbin
    1985 Stephen Wiberley 1969 Richard M. Dougherty